Understanding the Cost of Custom Foot Orthotics
The cost of custom foot orthotics reflects a complete clinical process, not just the device itself. Your fee includes:
- A detailed history of your symptoms and concerns
- A comprehensive physical examination assessing foot and lower‑leg alignment, joint mobility, and contributing biomechanical factors
- A gait analysis to evaluate how you walk and how this affects your feet, legs, and overall posture
- Precise 3D casting of your feet in their most stable position
- Professional preparation of your casts using plaster to create accurate models
- A customized written prescription outlining the exact features your orthotics require
- Selection of materials based on your weight, activity level, footwear, and lifestyle
- Footwear guidance to ensure your orthotics fit properly in your shoes
- Fabrication of your orthotics at a professional orthotic laboratory using your 3D casts
- A dispensing appointment with instructions on break‑in and proper use
- Follow‑up visits to adjust or modify the orthotics if needed
This process ensures your orthotics are truly custom — designed to stabilize your feet, reduce pain, and improve function.
How long will my custom foot orthotics last?
Most custom orthotics last approximately 2–4 years, depending on several factors:
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Material type: Rigid plastic shells last longer than softer materials like EVA or cork.
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Usage: Daily wear or high‑intensity activities (e.g., running) will shorten the lifespan.
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Activity level: High-impact or repetitive stress can compress or deform materials more quickly.
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Environmental factors: Excessive moisture or sweaty feet can break down top covers sooner.
Top covers often wear out before the orthotic shell and can be replaced without remaking the entire device.
Do you bill my extended health insurance directly?
We do not bill insurance companies directly. Payment for your custom orthotics is made at the time that you are casted, and we provide all the documentation you need to submit your claim for reimbursement.
Coverage for custom orthotics varies widely between insurance companies and employer benefit plans. Some plans require a prescription from your family doctor, while others accept prescriptions from a chiropodist or podiatrist. Because every plan is different, we always recommend reviewing your benefits booklet or contacting your insurer before your appointment.
Understanding Extended Health Plans in Ontario
Extended health plans in Ontario come in many forms, but employer-sponsored plans are usually funded in one of two ways:
1. Fully Insured Plans
- Your employer pays premiums to an insurance company.
- The insurance company pays the claims.
- Coverage levels depend on the policy your employer purchased.
2. Self‑Funded (ASO – Administrative Services Only) Plans
- Your employer pays for employees’ claims directly.
- The insurance company only administers the plan.
- These plans may have stricter limits or lower reimbursement amounts.
These funding models affect how claims are approved and reimbursed, which is why two people with the same insurance provider can have very different coverage.
What This Means for Your Orthotics Claim
Because every plan is unique:
- Coverage amounts can vary significantly.
- Some plans cover the full cost; others cover only a portion.
- Requirements (such as prescriptions, gait analysis reports, or proof of medical necessity) differ between insurers.
We provide all required documentation to support your claim, but your insurer ultimately determines your reimbursement.